[The assessment of exposure to and the activity of the manual lifting of patients in wards: methods, procedures, the exposure index (MAPO) and classification criteria. Movimientazione e Assistenza Pazienti Ospedalizzati (Lifting and Assistance to Hospitalized Patients)].

Since a method for quantifying exposure to patient handling in hospital wards is lacking, the authors describe and propose a model for identifying the main risk factors in this type of occupational exposure: presence of disabled patients, staff engaged on manual handling of patients, structure of the working environment, equipment and aids for moving patients, training of workers according to the specific risk. For each factor a procedure for identification and assessment is proposed that is easily applicable in practice. The authors also propose a formula for the calculation of a condensed exposure index (MAPO Index), which brings together the various factors. The exposure index, which requires further, detailed study and validation, makes it possible, in practice, to plan the preventive and health measures according to a specific order of priority, thus complying with the requirements of Chapter V of Law 626/94. From a practical point of view, in the present state of knowledge, it can be stated that for MAPO Index values between 0 and 1.5, risk is deemed negligible, average for values between 1.51 and 5, and high for values exceeding 5.